How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. It's also tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your Baby beds is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could create problems with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot bed sales before you buy.

There are cots available at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery however, they must be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and create the risk of choking your cheap baby cots for sale.

Some cots to tots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the design. A cot will be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.

If you select a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby cots on sale (visit this backlink) may get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and isn't easily lifted by your child.

If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

You might want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into toddler cribs beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your child is older.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots come with extra features like teething rails, which can help to save space and make your parenting experience easier. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.